How to eliminate TrapStealer malware from the operating system

What kind of malware is TrapStealer?

TrapStealer is a piece of versatile information-stealing malware. This malicious program targets a wide variety of data, particularly information related to the Discord messaging platform.

TrapStealer malware overview

After successfully infiltrating a system, TrapStealer starts collecting device data, like its name, graphics card details, installed anti-virus tools, and so forth.

This stealer uses anti-detection and anti-analysis functionalities. It utilizes anti-debugging measures and can self-terminate after concluding its malicious activities. Additionally, this malware can masquerade as a Discord Nitro generator or a webhook tool. TrapStealer can automatically start upon system boot. It can also hide windows (specifically, Command Prompt) and cause Blue Screen of Death errors.

As mentioned in the introduction, this stealer has several capabilities centering on Discord. The malicious program can disable this messaging platform and self-inject into its processes. TrapStealer seeks to obtain a variety of information from Discord, including tokens, username/password, global username, email, telephone number, friend lists, guild/server data, etc.

This stealer, like most programs within this classification, also targets browser data. From Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Opera, Opera GX, Brave, Safari, Internet Explorer, and other popular browsers – TrapStealer can extract and exfiltrate browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, autofills, saved passwords, etc.

The stealer likewise targets information related to the WhatsApp messenger and sessions from the Steam video game service platform. Other TrapStealer's capabilities include taking screenshots, stealing content copied into the clipboard (copy-paste buffer), and exfiltrating (downloading) files based on predetermined extensions and customized keywords.

It must be mentioned that malware developers commonly improve upon their software and methodologies. TrapStealer has already had several updates, and future versions are not unlikely – hence, this malware may have an expanded target list or additional/different features later on.

In summary, the presence of software like TrapStealer on systems can result in severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	TrapStealer virus
Threat Type	Trojan, stealer, password-stealing virus, spyware.
Detection Names	Avast (Win64:Malware-gen), ESET-NOD32 (Python/Kryptik.EB), Fortinet (W32/Kryptik.EB!tr), Kaspersky (Trojan-PSW.MSIL.Mercurial.gj), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Wacatac.B!ml), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Symptoms	Trojans are designed to stealthily infiltrate the victim's computer and remain silent, and thus no particular symptoms are clearly visible on an infected machine.
Distribution methods	Infected email attachments, malicious online advertisements, social engineering, software 'cracks'.
Damage	Stolen passwords and banking information, identity theft, the victim's computer added to a botnet.
Malware Removal (Windows)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Stealer-type malware examples

Poverty, Lumar, BlazeStealer, and qBit are just some examples of stealers that we have researched recently. This malware can seek to extract specific details or a broad range of data. Furthermore, the capabilities of malicious software are not limited to its classification.

It must be stressed that regardless of how malware operates – its presence on a system threatens device integrity and user safety. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate all threats immediately upon detection.

How did TrapStealer infiltrate my computer?

TrapStealer has been observed being promoted by its developers on the GitHub repository. Hence, its distribution can vary based on the methods preferred by the cyber criminals using it at the time.

Malware is typically presented as or bundled with ordinary content. Virulent files can be archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), executables (.exe, .run, etc.), documents (Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote, PDF, etc.), JavaScript, and so forth. When a malicious file is executed, run, or otherwise opened – the infection process is initiated.

Phishing and social engineering tactics are widely used in malware distribution. The most commonly used proliferation methods include: drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, online scams, malicious attachments or links in spam emails/messages, untrustworthy download channels (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), malvertising, illegal software activation ("cracking") tools, and fake updates.

Some malicious programs can even self-spread through local networks and removable storage devices (e.g., USB flash drives, external hard drives, etc.).

How to avoid installation of malware?

We strongly recommend caution with incoming emails, PMs/DMs, SMSes, and other messages. Attachments or links present in dubious/irrelevant mail must not be opened, as they can be infectious. It is important to be vigilant while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears genuine and innocuous.

Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. Another recommendation is to activate and update programs by using legitimate functions/tools, as those obtained from third-parties may contain malware.

We must emphasize that having a reputable anti-virus installed and kept updated is paramount to device/user safety. Security software must be used to run regular system scans and to remove detected threats. If you believe that your computer is already infected, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate infiltrated malware.

Screenshot of TrapStealer malware promoted on GitHub:

Instant automatic malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

• What is TrapStealer?
• STEP 1. Manual removal of TrapStealer malware.
• STEP 2. Check if your computer is clean.

How to remove malware manually?

Manual malware removal is a complicated task - usually it is best to allow antivirus or anti-malware programs to do this automatically. To remove this malware we recommend using Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.

If you wish to remove malware manually, the first step is to identify the name of the malware that you are trying to remove. Here is an example of a suspicious program running on a user's computer:

If you checked the list of programs running on your computer, for example, using task manager, and identified a program that looks suspicious, you should continue with these steps:

Download a program called Autoruns. This program shows auto-start applications, Registry, and file system locations:

Restart your computer into Safe Mode:

Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Start your computer in Safe Mode. Click Start, click Shut Down, click Restart, click OK. During your computer start process, press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until you see the Windows Advanced Option menu, and then select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.

Video showing how to start Windows 7 in "Safe Mode with Networking":

Windows 8 users: Start Windows 8 is Safe Mode with Networking - Go to Windows 8 Start Screen, type Advanced, in the search results select Settings. Click Advanced startup options, in the opened "General PC Settings" window, select Advanced startup.

Click the "Restart now" button. Your computer will now restart into the "Advanced Startup options menu". Click the "Troubleshoot" button, and then click the "Advanced options" button. In the advanced option screen, click "Startup settings".

Click the "Restart" button. Your PC will restart into the Startup Settings screen. Press F5 to boot in Safe Mode with Networking.

Video showing how to start Windows 8 in "Safe Mode with Networking":

Windows 10 users: Click the Windows logo and select the Power icon. In the opened menu click "Restart" while holding "Shift" button on your keyboard. In the "choose an option" window click on the "Troubleshoot", next select "Advanced options".

In the advanced options menu select "Startup Settings" and click on the "Restart" button. In the following window you should click the "F5" button on your keyboard. This will restart your operating system in safe mode with networking.

Video showing how to start Windows 10 in "Safe Mode with Networking":

Extract the downloaded archive and run the Autoruns.exe file.

In the Autoruns application, click "Options" at the top and uncheck "Hide Empty Locations" and "Hide Windows Entries" options. After this procedure, click the "Refresh" icon.

Check the list provided by the Autoruns application and locate the malware file that you want to eliminate.

You should write down its full path and name. Note that some malware hides process names under legitimate Windows process names. At this stage, it is very important to avoid removing system files. After you locate the suspicious program you wish to remove, right click your mouse over its name and choose "Delete".

After removing the malware through the Autoruns application (this ensures that the malware will not run automatically on the next system startup), you should search for the malware name on your computer. Be sure to enable hidden files and folders before proceeding. If you find the filename of the malware, be sure to remove it.

Reboot your computer in normal mode. Following these steps should remove any malware from your computer. Note that manual threat removal requires advanced computer skills. If you do not have these skills, leave malware removal to antivirus and anti-malware programs.

These steps might not work with advanced malware infections. As always it is best to prevent infection than try to remove malware later. To keep your computer safe, install the latest operating system updates and use antivirus software. To be sure your computer is free of malware infections, we recommend scanning it with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

My computer is infected with TrapStealer malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?

Most malicious programs can be removed without resorting to formatting.

What are the biggest issues that TrapStealer malware can cause?

The threats associated with a malicious program depend on its functionalities and the cyber criminals' goals. TrapStealer is a type of malware designed to steal information. Typically, infections of this kind can lead to severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

What is the purpose of TrapStealer malware?

Most malware attacks are driven by financial gain. However, malicious software can also be used to amuse the attackers, carry out personal vendettas, disrupt processes (e.g., websites, services, companies, etc.), and even launch politically/geopolitically motivated attacks.

How did TrapStealer malware infiltrate my computer?

Malware is predominantly proliferated via spam mail, online scams, drive-by downloads, malvertising, dubious download channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates. What is more, some malicious programs can self-spread via local networks and removable storage devices.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is designed to scan devices and eliminate threats. It is capable of detecting and removing nearly all known malware infections. Note that since sophisticated malicious programs usually hide deep within systems – running a complete system scan is crucial.

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